Vol. 2

CHAPTER XIV. 213present by faith, or by an invisible presence in theeucharist. As to the second, it is necessary heshould be visible, and he is so in the poor, whom hehas substituted in his stead, and who demand andreceive, in his name, whatever he requires in thiskind of duties." 8. She hath done what she could : she is comeaforehand to anoint my body to the burying."Christ would not lose any part of the honour dueto his mysteries: he hastens the accomplishment ofthem by anticipation, that he may shed forth thespirit and grace of them, infavour of those who lovehim. It was lawful to pay even external honoursto the mysteries of Christ, before they were accomplished: how much more then, may, and ought weto do it, since they are?" 9. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever thisgospel shall bo preached throughout the whole world,this also that she hath done shallmemorial of her."be spoken of for aThat which to the eyes of the flesh seems no betterthan folly, is proposed by Christ to the eyes offaith, as an action of true wisdom. The saints honourJesus Christ, and he honours the saints,in causingthem to be honoured. Nothing is more conformableto his spirit, than to celebrate their memoryand publish their praise. Far is he from being atall jealous at our doing this, since we do it by hisappointment, with regard to him, and upon his account,and are as far from adoring them with thatdivine worship which we pay to him, as the creatureis distant from the Creator.